verdesard0g
Adventurist
I have read about people using a trailer hitch to directly to rig recovery gear so I thought I would investigate a bit.
The first thing I discovered is that NO manufactures that I could find would give a meaningful strength rating, only what class hitch the pin was made for. So I chose to use a 5/8" grade 8 bolt with a long enough shaft that no threads would be inside the receiver. Since grade 8 is too hard to drill I ground a grove for a retaining hair pin.
The next concern was the edges of the hitch receiver. Mine had very sharp edges so I ground, filed and sanded a nice radius on all four edges.
A 3/4" Buba rope just barely fits with enough room for the pin. 7/16" soft shackles fit with room to spare.
I do like the idea of using fewer parts on rigging
The first thing I discovered is that NO manufactures that I could find would give a meaningful strength rating, only what class hitch the pin was made for. So I chose to use a 5/8" grade 8 bolt with a long enough shaft that no threads would be inside the receiver. Since grade 8 is too hard to drill I ground a grove for a retaining hair pin.
The next concern was the edges of the hitch receiver. Mine had very sharp edges so I ground, filed and sanded a nice radius on all four edges.
A 3/4" Buba rope just barely fits with enough room for the pin. 7/16" soft shackles fit with room to spare.
I do like the idea of using fewer parts on rigging